Military Marriage Benefits

U.S. military service members sacrifice a lot for their country. Military spouses and family members also make sacrifices. Military spouses are entitled to several benefits when their loved one serves in the military. Spouses should take advantage of the military benefits they get when they marry a military member.

This provides an overview of military marriage benefits. For specific questions about what benefits you can get as a military couple, talk to an experienced military law attorney.

What Benefits Do Military Spouses Have?

When you marry into the military community — the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard — you are eligible for several types of benefits, including:

• Tricare health care
• Military base access
• Increased housing allowance
• Information when your spouse deploys
• Childcare financial assistance
• Relocation expenses with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
• Shopping benefits
• Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) benefits
• Tuition assistance

To receive the benefits of a military spouse, your sponsoring service member must register you with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). You can then get a Uniformed Service ID Card.

Do Military Spouses Get Paid?

Active duty service members get paid a base salary and any additional bonuses, special pay, and allowances. Service members also get a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). However, spouses of servicemembers do not get a salary or a subsistence allowance.

Married service members get an increase in their housing allowance. A military couple will get an increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to offset the cost of off-base housing. The housing allowance can depend on the duty station rental rates, utility rates, and pay grade.

For example, E-4 service members at Fort Campbell in 2024 get $1,353 monthly, but the amount increases to $1,641 with a spouse or dependents. An O-4 officer at Camp Pendleton receives $4,005 a month BAH, which goes up to $4,404 for married officers.

Military Family Health Care Benefits

The Department of Defense (DOD) health care program covers military spouses. Tricare provides health benefits to military personnel and their dependents. National Guard, Reservists, and some retiree spouses are also included.

Tricare covers medically necessary treatments and services. It includes a network of civilian healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and hospitals. Different health care plans are available under Tricare, which acts like health insurance. Consider your health care needs when selecting the best Tricare plan. Military families can also get dental insurance.

Education Benefits for Military Spouses

Military spouses are eligible for educational scholarships. The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship provides tuition assistance of up to $4,000 for certain associate degree programs and professional licensing programs.

Your military spouse can also transfer their unused GI Bill education benefits to you or your children. GI Bill benefits can pay for tuition, housing, books, licensing fees, and other education costs.

Can Military Spouses Use Base Facilities?

Military spouses can access military base facilities, shop at the military commissary for groceries, and use base recreational centers, bowling alleys, golf courses, and gyms. Some military spouses can live on base with their service member spouse. Spouses can access the base with their military ID cards.

Do Military Spouses Receive Discounts?

Shopping at the commissary or exchange can help you save money on the things you need. Commissaries can also be cheaper than overseas grocery stores. Commissaries sell items at cost, which may be more affordable for things like meat and dairy. Most shopping on base is tax-exempt, which can also help save money on big-ticket items.

Many private businesses also offer discounts to military service members and their spouses. This can include anything from internet service to amusement parks. If you have a military spouse ID, check which companies offer a military discount.

Can Military Spouses Get Childcare Benefits?

Military spouses can get subsidized child care for on-base daycare centers. The reduced cost of child care is based on income. The military may also cover some in-home and approved daycare centers if you live off-base.

Can a Lawyer Help With Military Spouse Benefits?

It can be challenging as a military spouse if your loved one has to deploy or you have to relocate your family to a new duty station. Military spousal benefits can go a long way to helping pay for the things you need. You can feel secure knowing you have health care coverage, housing, and discounted grocery access. Married couples enjoy other benefits, including property rights and certain tax benefits. If you have questions about military and civilian marriage benefits, talk to a local military law attorney.